The Master of Public Administration program is now available to students off-campus who are interested in and committed to completing their degree requirements through online instruction. (Non-degree seeking graduate students are welcome, as well.)

Degree requirements are the same as those for on campus students in Missoula: 36 semester credits, and a portfolio review. For a full description of the MPA program and degree requirements, visit the Department of Political Science website at www.cas.umt.edu/polsci/mpa.htm.

The MPA program's purpose is to prepare college graduates for professional service employment in the public and nonprofit sectors and to enhance the professional competence of mid-career public administrators.

The online MPA program offers 7 courses per year during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The online program is intended to meet the needs of individuals who are currently working full time and who have time for only one or two courses per semester. By taking five courses per year, it is possible to complete the required 36 credits in less than three years.

Tuition and Fees
Information about tuition is available at cyberbear.umt.edu. Select Tuition/fee costs.

If you think you may qualify for a tuition fee waiver, see: Tuition Fee Waiver.

Important Information about Distance Only status and Tuition Fees
Students taking only online courses may choose to enroll as a Distance Student and pay reduced fees.

Distance Only students are not eligible for UM Health Insurance or Curry Health Center services, Athletic Event ticket discounts or Campus Recreation. Distance Only Students must waive the health service/insurance options prior to registering for classes. In addition, students enrolled in this status are eligible to enroll only in online/internet courses.

Students enrolling in a combination of on-campus and online courses are not eligible for Distance Only status.

Because this is a graduate level online program, students should contact the UM Graduate School to change their status to “Distance Only” at 406.243.2572; e-mail grad.school@umontana.edu

Important Dates and Deadlines
For Fall and Spring Registration dates and deadlines, visit: cyberbear.umt.edu and click on Important Dates in the right-hand column.For Summer Registration dates and deadlines, visit: montanasummer.umt.edu

Application
Persons holding a baccalaureate degree from any regionally accredited college or university are eligible to apply. To apply, please submit the following items to the Department of Political Science:
• A completed application form and $51.00 application fee. The application form is now submitted electronically from the Graduate School website.*
• One official transcript of previous college work.
• Evaluations by a minimum of three (3) persons qualified to judge your academic potential. The evaluation form is available from the Graduate School.*
• Official scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). In some cases the LSAT, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB may substitute for the GRE.
• A written statement of at least 300 words stating your reasons for seeking the MPA degree and referring specifically to your professional goals and learning objectives.

Students may apply for either the fall or spring semesters. Applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee when they are completed. There is no specific deadline.

Graduate students may also take MPA courses prior to their admission to the MPA program by applying for graduate nondegree status. Up to nine (9) credit hours taken in nondegree status may be counted toward their degree with the approval of the MPA program director. To apply for graduate nondegree status, please visit the Graduate School website.*

*The UM Graduate School website can be found at: www.umt.edu/grad. The Graduate School can be reached by telephone at 406-243-2572, or by email at gradschl@mso.umt.edu

Registration
For registration instructions, visit: cyberbear.umt.edu and click on Registration Instructions in the right-hand column.

Course Schedules
To view course schedules, visit: cyberbear.umt.edu and click on the Schedule of Classes link.

Further Information:
For further information on the Online Masters in Public Administration program, visit: www.umt.edu/polsci.

For academic and admission information, contact:
Jeffrey D. Greene, Professor
Department of Political Science
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
Telephone: (406) 243-6181
E-Mail: jeffrey.greene@umontana.edu

Extended Degree Programs
Continuing Education
The University of Montana-Missoula
Missoula, MT 59812
Phone: (406) 243-6431
E-mail: edp@mso.umt.edu